Eight Indian Hill High School students won spots in the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra (CSYO) for the 2026–2027 season after passing competitive auditions open to musicians across Greater Cincinnati.

The Indian Hill School District announced the selections Wednesday, Sept. 9. Two students earned places in the CSYO Philharmonic Orchestra: Clairette Yang and Jonathan McGrath. Six were selected for the CSYO Concert Orchestra: Sophie Buse, Isha Jha, Isaac Kim, Eric Liu, Darcy McMahon and Iris Xu.

The CSYO is run by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and accepts students in grades 8–12 who audition successfully and belong to their school's band or orchestra program. Members rehearse and perform orchestral repertoire under instruction from CSO musicians and conductors, joining peers from schools throughout the region.

Jha, a violinist headed to the Concert Orchestra, spoke about the opportunity in the district's Sept. 9 announcement, also carried by Living Magazines. "I can't wait to meet new people and improve my skills as a violinist," Jha said.

Amy Clark, director of the district's Arts Conservatory program, said in the same announcement that the placement reflects the students' commitment to their craft. Clark said the CSYO gives students a chance to challenge themselves beyond Indian Hill and called the program one of the region's premier youth music organizations. She added that she looks forward to watching the eight musicians continue to grow as artists through the experience.

Indian Hill Orchestra Director Trista Emmons said in the Sept. 9 announcement that the audition process demands discipline and confidence. Emmons praised all eight students for earning the chance to perform alongside top young musicians from across the region. She said preparing for an audition at that level requires a willingness to push past comfort zones.

The CSYO program draws the most competitive student musicians in Greater Cincinnati each year. Families interested in following the orchestra's upcoming season can check the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra's website for concert dates and rehearsal schedules. The CSYO's 2026–2027 season schedule has not yet been published.